SEMI Board Member Testifies to U.S. Senate; Advocates for Advanced Manufacturing

SEMI
Board Member Testifies to U.S. Senate; Advocates for Advanced Manufacturing

Washington,
D.C. —
Dr. Terry Brewer, president and founder of Brewer Science, who also serves as a
member of the SEMI North America Advisory Board (NAAB), testified today in
front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to
give his views on the need for federal government support of advanced
manufacturing.

“Historically, the government has helped to
create an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed, allowing the private
sector to successfully develop emerging technologies, which lead to new
products and new advanced manufacturing jobs, “ Dr. Brewer explained.
“Public-private partnerships have also had a big impact on developing many
technology-focused aspects of our economy.”

The hearing
entitled, “The Role of Manufacturing Hubs
in a 21st Century Innovation Economy,” highlighted legislation, S. 1468,
the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act, which is sponsored by
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) (photo on left). The bill is designed to bring together
industry, universities and community colleges, federal agencies, and all levels
of government to accelerate manufacturing innovation. It would establish public-private
institutes to bridge the gap between basic research and product development.
This legislation is supported by SEMI.

“Other countries see the value of
attracting the businesses and people that embrace advanced manufacturing to
their locations,” testified Brewer. “When our government provides the
leadership and support needed to coordinate the establishment of advanced
manufacturing hubs that embrace diversity in location and technology in the
United States, our people, communities, and businesses will grow and provide
the foundation for us to solve our next unforeseen challenges.”

In addition to Dr. Brewer, the
committee also heard testimony from U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker,
who specifically mentioned the semiconductor industry as a role model for
success in public-private partnerships.
The committee also heard testimony from:

All of the speakers agreed that public
private partnerships, like the ones laid out in S.1468, are a good role for the
federal government to play in boosting advanced manufacturing in the United
States.